Mary Balvanz
Mary Balvanz, 100, of Eldora, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Creekside Living – Cottages and Villas in Grundy Center, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora. Interment will take place at East Lawn Memorial Gardens. Following the interment a time for fellowship will take place back at the church where lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Preschool at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora.
Mary Jane Balvanz, 100, was born April 10, 1925, in Liscomb, Iowa, the daughter of Ray and Helen Buchanan. She died February 23, 2026, at Creekside Assisted Living in Grundy Center. Mary graduated from Conrad High School and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught at country schools in Marshall and Grundy counties.
Mary became a farm wife and homemaker June 6, 1948, when she married Harold Balvanz, of Eldora. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage before Harold died in 2008. Mary was active in her church ladies circle and a neighborhood women’s group, taught Sunday school and diligently helped on the farm.
Mary is survived by sons Richard (Jolene) and Steven (Kathy); grandchildren: Seth Balvanz, Sarah Balvanz (Rob) Miller, Kris (Ryan) Luiken, Steven (Lisa) Balvanz Jr., and Shawn (Kelly) Balvanz; and great grandchildren: Drue, Lane, Dylan, Nixon, Seth, Dani, Carter, Max and Jaxon. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold and her great granddaughter Alexis Balvanz.